Shreys Iyer and Ankush Bains also posted useful half-centuries

After both teams failed to progress to the latter stages of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2014, there was a lot of pride at stake for both teams to play in the fifth place playoff in Sharjah cricket stadium.

Vijay Zol decided to bat after winning the toss on a superb batting wicket and openers Ankush Bains and Akhil Herwadkar gave India the perfect start by laying a solid, if not spectacular platform. Bains was looking in great form and was in a punishing mood right from the world go.

Gudakesh Moti-Kanhai struck for West Indies in the 15th over of the innings, removing the tentative Herwadkar. In came captain Vijay Zol and he was looking good with a lot of crisp shots on both sides of the wicket but did not build on his start and was dismissed for 30.

Bains was set and was certain to make a three figure score but Preston McSween struck for the Windies to send the Indian opener into the hut for 74 and India were 141 for three at this point.

Desperate to make full use of the opportunity, Sanju Samson and Shreyas Iyer went hammer and tongs at the bowling and runs flowed thick and fast for India. Samson struck some big sixes and Shreyas, too gave ample support to his partner.

The 114-run blitzkrieg of a partnership came to an end with the departure of Shreyas, who made 66 of just 45 balls. Samson also departed soon for a quickfire 67 and India looked like losing momentum.

Deepak Hooda’s cameo lower down the order, however ensured that India posted a big total of 340 in their 50 overs. Moti-Kanhai bowled with a lot of heart and took three scalps but the same can’t be said about the other bowlers, who were carted all over the park buy the Indian batsmen.